Once upon a time - computers were expected to work independently most of the time.  Exchanging information with other systems happened as required, frequently over very slow dial up connections!

Then the Internet happened and the World Wide Web of interconnected devices across the planet and the need for information sources to remain "always on".   Two things happened almost immediately a) our need for communications connections went off the chart b) the type of information being provided became increasingly sophisticated, from text messages of a few characters - to pictures, soundfiles, and video links.   This has driven communications capacity and speeds through the roof - in the 80s communications speeds of 30 to 120 characters per second were commonplace now we routinely talk of home communications lines capable of 4 Million characters per second  just 130.000 times faster!

Your communications pathway is now an important part of your I.T. system, many applications may depend on having an internet connection so getting the right communications in place becomes vitally important.

1. Your type of Machine (Smartphone, Tablet, Computer)
2. Where you use your device
3. How much you use your device and applications
4. Your other communications needs (eg Home phone etc, mobile phone usage and contract)

Your cellphone contract (or Pay as you Go agreement) will usually place limits on the amount of data available in your allocation and usage out side this will usually be very expensive, so it is important to look at how you will use your device when selecting a contract.

Some tablets (and computers) have slots for a mobile phone SIM card.  These can make use of an independent Data only tarriff - available from many operators.  Remember that this would be additional to a normal mobile phone contract.  Tarriffs will be usage dependent and extra capacity beyond your month allowance is usually expensive.   On-board SIMS - have the advantage of being available wherever there is a cell signal and are independent of your phone, though they are another contract and cost.

The other option for Tablets )and also to connect computers over the cell networks - is to use "tethering" or a "mobile hotspot" capability on your phone.  For this to work you need:

• a phone capable of acting as a mobile hotspot
• a contract which allows use as a mobile hotspot
• a suitable capacity contract for the type of usage (they range between around 2GB per month to unlimited
  

Assuming all this is in place you set the phone to operate as a mobile hotspot and then connect to the phone over a wireless data connection on your tablet or phone.

Be aware that cell reception is still flakey in places (especially in rural locations) and also that tablets and PCs tend to use more sophisticated and higher capacity communications than phones - so your data allocation may not go as far as your thought particularly if you watch videos, stream music etc.

Tablets can almost invariably connect to indepenedent WiFi such as  public networks at shops, restaurants or your (or your friends)  home networks.  When available using these networks will generally give better performance and protect you allowance.

Computers can make use of mobile hotspots, and some on-board data sims, in the same way as tablets above.

However, most computer users will want to have the higher performance and capacity of a Broadband system delivered over a home phone system.  This connection will usually only be available withing 15- 20 meters of your phone point so around your home or garden (possibly).

If you want to communicate when away from home - you can use the mobile hotspot approach but because its only in use when you are away from your home you can generally use a much less expensive cell phone contract.

A Home broadband contract is basically an addition to your home phone agreement (if you have one).  If you dont have a phone line you will need to have one installed, is you do then your agreement can just be upgraded to add broadband.

Contracts are available from suppliers like BT, PlusNet, Talk, Talk, Virgin media and many more.  Comparison sites like Money Supermarket, U-Switch etc  will generally show you which operators cpver your area and what types of servoce they can offer.  (Services differ according to location - rural locations tending to be more limited).

What are the costs?  Your contract will have a line rental element, possibly voice options (eg inclusive calls) and a a broadband element, a new installation may also have an installation cost and possibly a small charge for harware (a box called a router).

The broadband part can range in speed (the fastest being a fibre connection offering up to 40-70Mbps), and in capacity.  Unlimited usage agreements are generally available in most areas now without breaking the bank.  Unlimited also work well if you are taking advantage of Add on TV services many catch up services etc making use of internet connections.

The service provider will arrange for boradband to be added to your existing service (or for a new installation).  You will probably also be offered a "Router" (you can decline and buy your own - but the packaged ones tend to be good value).  This is the magic box which connects to the phone line (it should also have a microfilter which is an important gozmo to keep the signal clean). You should be also able to plug a phone into another socket on the line termination box.

On the computer side of the router will usually be a number of "ports" - which allow devices to be connected (eg a printer, a desktop machine which stays in the same location.  If you can connect over cable performance is generally better than WiFi.

The other way to connect to your router is by WiFi.  Pretty much all Laptops, Tablets and phones are WiFi compatible so can connect this way - a desktop machine (if not connected over cable) may need a little adapter available for a few pounds, which will allow it to be positioned away from the router.

Most packages also include full instructions and also the basic cables you will need to connect.

If your property is large or features lots of solid walls and metal elements - the range of you WiFi signal may be inadequate to operate well wherever you need it.  If this is the case there is a range of additional gadgets and gizmos called Application Points - designed to help out (some of the more expensive broadband contracts may also include these).  Some will relay WiFi signals others can be cabled to an extra locations and then reproduce the WiFi connection.   Prices and performance vary so review your options if you find that you have a problem.

Just a final mention that like phone services broadband may also be available via satellite TV provider.  Probably only worth considering if you have or intend to buy satellite TV service, but included here for completeness. 

That's it for now but please drop us a line if the are any other topics you would like covered or you have any questions.
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